# latex

/ˈɫeɪˌtɛks/ (US) · /lˈeɪtɛks/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/latex
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a milky white liquid that comes from certain plants, especially rubber trees. It is used to make products like gloves, balloons, and elastic materials.

For teachers: a milky fluid found in many flowering plants, which coagulates on exposure to air; specifically, the sap of the rubber tree used as the raw material for natural rubber. Also refers to synthetic versions used in medical and industrial manufacturing.

## Examples

- The doctor wore latex gloves during the examination.
- Many hospitals have switched to non-latex alternatives because some patients have a severe allergy to natural rubber proteins.
- The extraction of raw latex involves tapping the bark of the Hevea brasiliensis tree, a process that must be carefully managed to ensure the tree's long-term productivity.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the material in general; countable when referring to specific chemical types or commercial varieties.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.